Apstra Logical Devices with Jeremy Schulman and Derick Winkworth

Jeremy Schulman and Derick Winkworth from Apstra conducted a presentation during Networking Field Day 13, demonstrating the creation of logical devices using Apstra’s AOS on an on-prem rack server. They highlighted how AOS enables network engineers to design and deploy networks with vendor-agnostic principles. This approach allows engineers to focus more on the network’s design and functionality rather than being constrained by specific vendor technologies.

During the presentation, Schulman and Winkworth demonstrated the process of creating logical devices from scratch. They explained the concept of logical devices in AOS, which are generic descriptions of the port layout and roles for different kinds of network devices such as spines and leaf switches. These devices can then be used to dynamically build various network topologies, all without choosing specific hardware vendors at the design stage. This method enhances flexibility in network planning, allowing multiple design topologies to be evaluated and optimized for various requirements without the immediate need to commit to vendor-specific hardware.

The session also detailed how AOS can compute optimal network designs based on parameters such as the number of servers and uplink ports. Using a catalog of predefined device abstractions, Apstra’s software can suggest multiple network solutions, helping network architects make informed decisions that best suit their specific technical and business needs. Additionally, the presentation covered how logical devices can later be mapped to physical hardware, such as Dell or Celestica switches, showcasing AOS’s ability to transform theoretical designs into actionable blueprints ready for implementation.